Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder, affecting 8–12% of women worldwide. People living with PCOS can experience certain health complications like infertility, diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and depression. The three main symptoms are irregular periods, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and as the name suggests, polycystic ovaries.
Given that exercise has consistently shown to improve a ton of health‐related outcomes for all humans, science is studying how exercise could improve ovulation and the menstrual cycle regulation for people with PCOS.
Studies have generally found that people with PCOS who participated in moderately intense physical activity for more than 12 weeks experienced improved cardiovascular health, better ovulation, reduced insulin resistance, and weight loss. What’s neat about these results is that they were not dependent on the type of exercise, frequency or length of exercise sessions!
Science is still looking to improve the way we study exercise interventions on PCOS, and believes that larger, better-designed studies are needed to give a full evaluation. That said, the conclusions of this review show that wherever you feel that exercise can fit into your day, take advantage of it there. It’s shown to make a difference in everyone’s overall health, and can help with PCOS symptom management.
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Science, Feminism and Love
Benham JL, Yamamoto JM, Friedenreich CM, Rabi DM, Sigal RJ. Role of exercise training in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Obes. 2018 Aug;8(4):275-284. doi: 10.1111/cob.12258. Epub 2018 Jun 12. PMID: 29896935.
Cheryce L. Harrison, Catherine B. Lombard, Lisa J. Moran, Helena J. Teede, Exercise therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review, Human Reproduction Update, Volume 17, Issue 2, March-April 2011, Pages 171–183, https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmq045
